Zakoski has spent the last six months at the elite Melbourne sporting academy, Maribyrnong College and playing semi-professionally with the Hume FC Under 20 reserves.

Last Friday he flew out for Malaga, Spain, for a one-month stint at the prestigious Pro Direct Football Academy, taking on some of the top talent in Spain's La Liga competition.

It's been a sharp rise to professional football for the Karabar teen, who was captaining the under 14s Deakin FC junior side just 18 months ago.

But he's brimming with confidence at the chance to show his skills in Spain, and said he had "no nerves" whatsoever.

"Basically when you go there, you're a professional footballer and you're in a professional environment. And while you're there you get to play against quality La Liga sides.

"I'm very excited. I've got no nerves at all. The standard's going to be very high, but I'm looking forward to it."

Zakoski has been working with the cream of the crop of Canberra pro-footballers in local talent agents Kaz Patafta and brothers Shaun and Keegan Ontong, with Patafta securing the one-month international trial for the young gun.

Zakoski's father Anthony said it could lead to bigger and better things for his son.

"We don't know what could come out of it," Mr Zakoski said. "He could be back here in four weeks, or they might offer him an extension- who knows?

"Right now we're classing it as a learning experience."

But Zakoski's brother Michael and his father both said they've noticed a much more mature and professional approach in Nicholas after his six months in Melbourne.

They said they've grown used to the idea that Nicholas will be away from home more and more as his soccer career progresses.

"He's been away for the last six months now, so we've been slowly dealing with that," Mr Zakoski said.

"But in Melbourne, he's only six hours away. Obviously going to Spain is a different issue; you can't just pack your bag and go visit whenever you like.

"But we're all backing him. At the end of the day, we'd love to have him here, but if an opportunity comes up for him we're all for it."

And although his football career has progressed markedly in the last 18 months, Zakoski said his long-term dream remains unchanged

"My long term goal is that I'd really like to represent Australia with the Socceroos. I'd like to play in Europe at the highest level, and I'd really like to captain a side in Europe," he said.